The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) introduced a notable initiative, The Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA), at COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates recently. This pivotal event also witnessed the approval of the Memorandum of Common Purpose (MoCP) between NMCG and the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI). This memorandum has been signed on behalf of the River Cities Alliance (RCA).
About the Global River Cities Alliance
The GRCA is an international consortium of cities and countries invested in safeguarding the world’s river systems. It prioritizes the conservation, sustainable management, and protection of these vital natural resources. The alliance displays a significant global influence with its well-distributed membership across various nations and 275+ river-cities, including critical stakeholders such as India, Egypt, Netherlands, Denmark, Ghana, Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, and Japan.
The Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative
Created in 2012, MRCTI aims to amplify the call for proper protection, restoration, and management of the Mississippi River. Its operations extend to address mutual concerns such as river water quality, habitat restoration, and management of flooding and floodplain issues.
Insight into the River Cities Alliance
The River Cities Alliance (RCA), a collaborative endeavor of the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, emphasizes sustainable river-centric development. Since its inception in November 2021 with 30 member cities, RCA has broadened its scope to include 110 river cities across India and one international member city from Denmark.
Details about the National Mission for Clean Ganga
Set up as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, the NMCG functions to reduce pollution and rejuvenate the Ganga River. The famed Namami Gange is one of the prestigious programs to clean Ganga, led by NMCG. With a five-tier structure at the national, state, and district levels, the implementation framework ensures comprehensive planning and management.
Overview of Other Initiatives for River Rejuvenation in India
Several other initiatives have been launched in India for river rejuvenation. These include the pioneering Ganga Action Plan (1985) aimed at improving water quality; National Water Mission (2010) promoting integrated water resource management; Clean Ganga Fund (2014) established for cleaning up the Ganga and conserving its biodiversity; the Bhuvan-Ganga Web App enabling public participation in monitoring pollution, and a ban on waste disposal in the Ganga enforced by the National Green Tribunal in 2017.
Conclusion: The Way Forward for River Conservation
The concerted efforts reflected in these initiatives constitute significant strides towards river conservation in India. The Global River Cities Alliance, along with the other measures and alliances, demonstrate India’s commitment to environmental preservation. To ensure the success of these endeavors, it’s essential to continue fostering knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovative strides in urban river management practices both domestically and globally.
